(NEW KENT, VA — 8/17/19) —- Despite the fact that Da Hoss Stakes winner Extravagant Kid was invading from Kentucky (via Toronto), the son of Kiss the Kid has strong Virginia ties with owner David Ross of DARRS Inc. who was instrumental in bringing racing back to the Commonwealth. Sheldon Russell rode the 6-year-old gelding to a one-length victory covering the 5-1/2 furlongs over firm turf in 1:02.08.

Eagle Point Farm’s homebred filly What the Beep overtook longshot English Heiress in deep stretch to win the $100,000 M. Tyson Gilpin Stakes by a length in the first of four six-figure stakes races restricted to Virginia-Bred/Sired horses on August 10th. Forest Boyce rode the Karen Godsey-trained 4-year-old who covered 5-1/2 furlongs over a firm turf course in 1:03.80.

“Karen does a… Continue reading →

The following appeared in “The Racing Biz” and was written by Nick Hahn.

For trainer Karen Dennehy Godsey of Eagle Point Farm in Ashland, VA, the first stakes win of her career came on the first stakes race of the brief, 15-day Colonial Downs meet, the M. Tyson Gilpin Stakes for Virginia-bred or-sired fillies and mares.  Godsey trains about a dozen

“I just want to go home and hug my mare (Toccoa).” she said. “You have the Toccoa thing, you’ve… Continue reading →

The following appeared in The Racing Biz and was written by Frank Vespe.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Except when you do.

And for Colonial Downs, that second chance arrived August 8 on a gorgeous summer evening, along with a festive crowd and a 10-race card with full fields everywhere.

“I think this is a great thing. This is why we came down here. It’s phenonmenal,” said Vince Tucciarone. Tucciarone, who races as Fox… Continue reading →

NEW KENT, Va. (Aug. 7, 2019) — Virginia-bred runners are featured Saturday night at Colonial Downs in four $100,000 stakes races, all to be contested over the Secretariat Turf Course and are the first such races to be run in the Commonwealth since 2013. Under new ownership of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment and renovated facilities, this meeting marks the re-birth of racing in the Old Dominion state.  In addition to the four stakes races, there will be two Steeplechase contests as… Continue reading →

The following appeared in The Racing Biz August 5th and was written by Nick Hahn.

Approaching opening day on August 8, a diverse range of trainers, new and familiar alike, is assembling along the backstretch optimistically looking for opportunity in next generation of live racing at Colonial Downs.

One of the first to arrive on the backstretch was 77-year-old trainer Don Roberson who previously won with the only horse he ever started at Colonial Downs, a then-two-year old Long On… Continue reading →

With new ownership, renovated facilities, and a $300 million investment into Virginia racing in progress, Colonial Downs is set to usher in a new era of thoroughbred racing this coming Thursday August 8th with a ten race program beginning at 5 PM. Thoroughbred horses last ran at Colonial in the summer of 2013. 

A total of 107 horses entered the opening day card during the track’s first draw Saturday. Purses for the opener range from $30,000 – $70,000, and… Continue reading →

America’s Leading Horse Racing Network Also to Present On-Site Coverage of Virginia Racing Festival, Aug. 30-31

NEW KENT, Va. (Aug. 6, 2019) – Officials of Colonial Downs Group and Television Games Network (TVG) today announced that TVG, America’s leading Thoroughbred racing network and advance deposit wagering (ADW) platform, will televise races for the 2019 Colonial Downs  meeting, beginning with opening day this Thursday, Aug. 8.

With Peninsula Pacific Entertainment as new ownership, renovated facilities, and an average daily purse structure… Continue reading →

Colonial Downs and New Kent County, home county of the track, announced a new joint partnership today with horse racing’s revival in the Commonwealth that includes sponsorship of the Grade 3 Virginia Derby.

The $250,000 stakes race, which highlights a “Racing Revival Weekend” on August 31st”, will be renamed the ‘New Kent County Virginia Derby’. Other “Revival” events on Labor Day weekend include the $150,000 Fasig-Tipton Virginia Oaks, swag giveaways, jockey meet & greets, and family fun activities.

The top three finishers from the 2018 Meadow Stable Stakes for Virginia-Bred/Sired horses all nominated to the 2019 edition, which will be a co-featured event on the Saturday August 10th program at Colonial Downs.

The New Kent oval will usher in its first thoroughbred racing season since 2013 on Thursday August 8th at 5 PM. The Saturday card will be a Virginia showcase of sorts featuring four $100,000 turf stakes for Virginia-Bred/Sired horses. The program will also include the M.… Continue reading →